This past Sunday, members of the Collective gathered at the enchanting Kinclaven Wood to share in our mutual curiosity for the natural world and bask in the presence of ancient trees. It was a day of connection—not only with one another but with the rich, living tapestry of the woodland around us.
Kinclaven Wood, recommended by the ever-inspiring Tansy Lee Moir, was the perfect setting for this exploration. Tansy generously shared her knowledge of the trees, unveiling their stories etched into bark and branches. The experience invited us to slow down, observe deeply, and appreciate the intricate relationships that shape this vibrant ecosystem.
As Inês-Hermione Mulford so beautifully put it, Kinclaven felt like “definitely a more than human presence.” There’s a certain magic in the way this forest embodies the interconnectedness of life—its trees, fungi, mosses, and animals quietly reminding us of the larger web of existence of which we’re all a part.
While we left our sketchbooks at home this time, the experience has already inspired ideas and plans. We’ll be returning during the bluebell season, ready to capture the magic of Kinclaven with pens and pencils in hand. The vibrant colors and soft light filtering through the bluebells will undoubtedly offer new perspectives and creative opportunities.
For now, we carry with us the memory of Kinclaven’s trees and their quiet wisdom—a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and the joy of sharing that experience together.
If you haven’t yet visited Kinclaven Wood, we can’t recommend it enough. Whether to sketch, walk, or simply be still, there’s something uniquely restorative about spending time among these ancient trees.
We look forward to sharing what we create during the bluebell season and hope to inspire others to seek out their own connections to the natural world.
Until next time, here’s to curiosity, creativity, and the company of trees!